Substrate Selection for Larval Settlement and Spat Growth in the Purple Clam, Saxidomus purpuratus (Sowerby) in Laboratory Culture

The purpose of this study is to determine the appropriate substrate for larval settlement and spat growth in the purple clam, Saxidomus purpuratus in laboratory culture. Larvae were reared with 3 different types of sediments (mud, sand, and mixed) for 46 days in settlement experiment, and settled spats were further grown in 3 types of sediments for 36 weeks in growth experiment. The density of settled spats in muddy sediments was more than 2 times higher than those in mixed or sandy sediments. But, the average size of settled spats in muddy sediments was smaller than those in mixed or sandy sediments. After 36 weeks of growth period, growth rate decreased as shell length increased. When shell length was less than 2 mm, growth rate in mixed sediments was significantly higher than that in sandy sediments. When shell length was more than 2 mm, there was no significant difference in growth rate among different substrates. Sediment type affected growth rate only when the spats were relatively small (less than 2 mm). Muddy sediments seems better for larval settlement, while mixed sediments is best for spat growth. We suggest the laboratory procedure for enhancing seedling production of S. purpuratus.